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The crew doesn’t notice the collision with a whale in the open sea. The dead animal is dragged to the next port until it is found.
New York City – Polluted seas and changing temperatures are affecting the survival of some whale species. Despite the fishing ban, many whale species are still threatened, warns the environmental protection organization WWF. Some of them are even on the red list of endangered species.
Animals are also repeatedly killed by accidents caused by humans. This was also the case with this incident, which occurred at the beginning of May. A ship collided with an animal on the high seas.
Terrible discovery: Cruise ship arrives in New York harbor with a dead whale in tow
According to the New York Times, the port authorities only noticed the unpleasant surprise when a cruise ship arrived in New York City: an almost 13.5 meter long, already deceased whale was hanging on the bow of the ship. The animal was later identified as a sei whale, an endangered species of whale known for its fast swimming abilities and preference for deep waters. Hundreds of whales also died in the Pacific last year.
A spokeswoman for the ship’s owner, MSC Cruises, issued a statement in an email obtained by The New York Times. In it she emphasized that extensive measures would be taken to avoid such collisions. This included, among other things, training deck officers and changing travel routes in certain areas. The company constantly reviews and updates its procedures in collaboration with partners and authorities.
Cruise ship pulls 23,000 kilo whale with it – without noticing
As the US media reports, the responsible port authorities removed the approximately 23,000 kilogram whale from the bow of the cruise ship and then took the animal by boat to a beach in Sandy Hook, New Jersey. An autopsy was carried out there on Tuesday (May 7).
Robert A. Di Giovanni, the chief scientist of the Atlantic marine Conservation Society,” which led the whale’s study, also commented. According to Di Giovanni, the whale was already badly decomposed when scientists began the so-called necropsy, or autopsy. They were able to quickly take samples to examine them for pollutants and other biotoxins.
Experts urge sailors to be respectful of the sea and its inhabitants
“It looks like the animal was alive when it was hit by a ship,” said the expert in this context. Di Giovanni also stressed that other factors cannot be completely ruled out. The whale’s death is a reminder that humans still share open waters with other mammals. Indigenous peoples also advocate for animal rights.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also sees itself as responsible. The US Meteorological and Oceanographic Administration repeatedly warns sailors along the Baltic Sea coast to slow down their ships and be vigilant. In addition, any sightings of dead, injured or entangled whales should be reported to the authorities immediately to prevent another accident. (han/no)
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